Co-accused Jay Ashley Whatley, Zane Andrew Henderson, Coby Wells, and another male – whose name has been suppressed – are alleged to have brutalised and humiliated the woman on October 16 of that year, because the woman was unable to pay a debt to Savannah Jade Harwood.

It is alleged the males forced her to consume the dog food, as well as punched, kicked and burnt the woman, sprayed aerosol in her eyes, shot her with a stun gun, and hit her with a sock that contained a bar of soap, among other acts.

The males have been jointly charged with one count of assault.

Ms Harwood has been charged with one count of perverting the course of justice.

It is alleged that after the group of males attacked the woman, Ms Harwood told her: “If you tell the police you’ll end up in a hole and no one will know you are missing.”

It is not alleged that Ms Harwood was involved in the assault, however.

All five defendants have pleaded not guilty.

On day one of the trial on Monday, the court heard the alleged victim and Ms Harwood were living in the unit together.

Crown prosecutor Peter Sherriff alleged an argument about money arose and Mr Whatley and Mr Wells witnessed it.

The Crown alleged the duo attacked the woman in defence of Ms Harwood, while Ms Harwood was out of the house.

The duo were then joined in their exploits by Mr Henderson and the unnamed man to “enact some sort of revenge”.

When Ms Harwood returned, she tucked the alleged victim into bed.

But when the woman awoke the next day, it is alleged Ms Harwood threatened her while she was on her way out the door.

Defence lawyer for Mr Wells and Mr Whatley, Alan Hensley, said the alleged victim was “flat out dishonest”.

“We have only the word of a known liar and thief,” he said.

Mr Hensley accused the woman of “thieving, drug use and lying to government authorities for financial gain”.

The trial is expected to run all week.